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Been itching to shout, "Who Dat" for months?! The time has finally come, as the Saints are back with their first home game of the preseason. Cafe Istanbul hosts the 2018 New Pride Pageant, while artists get real about symbolic and systematic oppression at Studio Be. Louisiana rockers Swamp Motel take the stage at Gasa Gasa in honor of their album release. On this day in Louisiana history, Gov. "Uncle" Earl K. Long was born at the Long family homestead in Winnfield (1895), and Hurricane Andrew hit S. Louisiana near Morgan City (1992). Now, more to do this Saturday.

Most any New Orleanian hails Breesus, but nobody who dat’s quite like Jarrius Robertson. It’s been just two months since an intensive liver transplant, but the 15-year-old Saints superfan hasn’t slowed down. These days, he’s working not just with his beloved Saints, but also the Pelicans, Babycakes, LSU teams, WWE wrestlers, and plenty more sports organizations to raise awareness about liver disease. On the two month anniversary of his life-changing surgery, the teen dropped by the NoDef offices between a custom suit fitting for the ESPYs (where he will receive the Jimmy V Perseverance Award) and before attending Master P’s celebrity basketball game to talk about his upcoming charity event.

Former Crescent City Kings player Cardell Hayes was convicted Thursday in the slaying of beloved Saints captain Will Smith. Hayes silently accepted the sentence of 25 years in prison on charges of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter in the incident that left Smith dead and Smith’s wife Racquel suffering from multiple gun shot wounds. The sentencing comes just days after the one year anniversary of Smith’s death.

In the year since the killing of beloved Saints captain Will Smith, his death has left a void in the New Orleans community and beyond. After the one year anniversary of his passing on April 9, Smith's life and legacy will be celebrated at the Mid-City Yacht Club this weekend with a second annual crawfish boil benefitting his namesake memorial scholarship fund.

Looking to join the city's pledge to Lenten fitness? Or perhaps the reality of summer fast approaching has you wanting to shed the winter weight. Whatever the reason, you can now get fit for free. Today marks the first of a series of free workout classes at the newly-opened FitLot park near the Lafitte Greenway.

Just a few years ago, NOLA was awash in love for Rob Ryan. But, the former Saints defensive coordinator quickly went from the hero of Ms. Mae’s to an exiled goat. It appears that the feelings are now mutual. During an interview with “The MMQB”, Ryan finally took some swipes back at the Black n’ Gold.

The Saints have been a defensive disaster for several years now. On Thursday, the Black n’ Gold management finally looked beyond coaching changes and more pressure on the offense. The team used the No. 12 pick in the NFL draft to snag pass-rushing, 3-technique defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

Ready for football yet? The Saints released their 2016 schedule on Thursday (4.14) night— and it’s a tough one. The Black n’ Gold were handed the fourth most difficult schedule (statistically) in the league.

From 2002 until 2009, defensive end Charles Grant helped the Saints stifle opposing offenses. For five of those years, Grant played alongside his friend and “brother” Will Smith. In the wake of Smith’s tragic death, Grant talked with NOLA Defender about the former Saints captain, New Orleans, and guns.

Will Smith’s family will privately mourn the retired Saints star on Saturday (4.16). However, the Who Dat Nation will have the opportunity to say their farewells at a visitation on Friday (4.15) at the team practice facility (5800 Airline Drive).